Watipatsa Helps Church Leaders Solve Conflicts in Malawi

Churches around the world continue to wrestle with disagreements and conflict. In many cases, these conflicts become so intense that division is seen as the only solution. When this happens, people often take sides and the body of Christ becomes fragmented as battles persist.

For Watipatsa Gomanjira, our 2017 graduate, such moments of tension have become opportunities to apply knowledge and guide leaders toward peace rather than prolonged conflict.

Watipatsa began his journey of transformation at African Christian College as a young man with a deep desire to become a preacher. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated strong passion and commitment to learning. The academic and practical experiences he gained shaped his understanding of leadership beyond the pulpit. Through courses such as change leadership, foundations of management, and conflict resolution, he developed a clearer perspective on the nature of conflict. “These experiences made me realise the nature of conflicts and how we can help solve them rather than perpetuate them,” he shared.

In Africa, many conflicts arise from a failure to recognise the role cultural differences play in shaping disagreements. Others emerge from poorly managed change that leaves people confused or resistant. Recognising these realities, Watipatsa identified the need to intentionally equip church leaders with tools to navigate conflict constructively.

One of the key interventions he undertook was the organisation of a leadership conference aimed at empowering ministers to lead with wisdom and understanding.

From the 25th to the 28th of December last year, while many people were spending time with family and friends, Watipatsa and a team of like minded leaders were facilitating a leadership training conference in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The conference brought together about 50 ministers representing 25 congregations from 8 different districts. Reflecting on the experience, Watipatsa noted, “It was encouraging to see how much preachers long for opportunities to be empowered through knowledge as they navigate leadership challenges.”

During the conference, Watipatsa facilitated two key topics: leading effective ministry and conflict management and resolution in the church. “I invited leaders into continuous conversations through these topics because I realised the urgent need to improve how we handle conflict in the church,” he explained. The sessions created space for honest reflection, with leaders acknowledging their shortcomings in dealing with conflict both within their local congregations and among sister churches.

One of the most powerful moments came when several leaders committed themselves to reconciliation. “My highlight was seeing leaders vow to go back and reconcile with other leaders and churches because they had learned healthier ways to address conflict as the church in Malawi continues to face divisions,” Watipatsa shared.

Watipatsa continues to serve faithfully at Namikango Mission as a Discipleship Training Institute Coordinator and Bible Instructor. He has been with the Mission since 2021 and remains deeply committed to advancing its vision of empowering leaders for effective ministry through service and evangelism. Through his work, he continues to lead transformation and equip leaders for excellent service.

His story is testament to why we do what we do at African Christian College: producing transformational leaders for the Church and the community.

You can be empowered to lead transformation, too.